We are quickly heading towards the last vestiges of what has been one of the longest riding seasons in recent memory.

After a very mild winter through which many of you were able to ride, the season kicked into high gear right at the beginning of March this year, a time in which we had many warm and sunny days.

For my money you still can’t beat mid September through October as the premier riding weather of the year. Cool, crisp air and low humidity make the bikes run so much better and we are blessed to live in New England where the autumn scenery is among the best in the Lower 48.

Right now I offer a few foliage rides that many of you will recognize from past columns.

Amongst the more popular routes in the fall is Route 5 north into Deerfield where you will find Yankee Candle, always a popular stop Just up the street you can take a left on to Route 116 headed toward Conway. This stretch of Route 116 has many nice curves and switchbacks; I would recommend you take it easy through there if you are unfamiliar with the road.

After passing through Conway, you will enter Ashfield where about half way down Main Street you will see a sign on your right for the Ashfield Lake House, a great dining spot with an outdoor deck that overlooks the water.

From there I would recommend following Route 112 to Route 2 west, which is the Mohawk Trail. From there you can head to the Berkshires and perhaps Mount Greylock in North Adams.

Along the way on about the Charlemont-North Adams line is Mohawk Park, another great dining spot that makes some of the best burgers on the planet. (Are you sensing a theme here, ride to eat, eat to ride, perhaps?)

You may also choose to stay on Route 112 which merges into Route 100 once you get into Vermont. If you follow the Route 100 corridor it will take you to Mount Snow where you will be able to take ski-lift rides up the mountain for some spectacular views.

The Valley View Saloon in West Dover is another fine establishment that caters to bikers. I would also recommend the Gray Ghost Inn on Route 100 in West Dover if you are planning on making an overnight trip. The Gray Ghost is particularly biker friendly and is very reasonably priced.

If you care to stay closer to home, I recommend that you try a Connecticut ride which entails picking up Route 32 east in Monson and follow that until you take a left on to Route 74 in Willington, Conn. Follow Route 74 to Route 44 east. At the intersection of Routes 44 and 169 in Pomfret , you will find the Vanilla Bean Café, a popular stop for motorcycles for many years. The “Bean” has some of the best coffee and baked goods you will find anywhere.

So there you have it, get out into the autumn air and ride.

Hopefully I have given you a few ideas of which way to head.

Goings on

Not to be a buzz kill, but many people have assumed that this year has been excessive as far as fatal motorcycle accidents go. As of Sept. 17, there have been 35 fatal motorcycle accidents – including three passenger – in the state of Massachusetts, which is down considerably from the average of past years, according to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Hampden County has the greatest number of fatalities with six. July proved to be the deadliest month statewide with nine deaths
Remember, the better the weather, the more accidents there are apt to be just because people are out on their bikes more. Let’s hope the number continues to stay low for the rest of the year.

On Oct. 13, there will be a memorial ride to benefit the family of Lynn Paydos who was tragically killed on her motorcycle in July. Signups begin at 9 a.m. at Cindy’s Sports Bar on Main St. in Palmer. The ride will leave at 11 and will include the Quabbin Loop. $25 per rider and $10 per passenger or walk up is asked for a donation. Food and entertainment will commence at Cindy’s after the ride.

On Oct. 20, the Longriders Motorcycle Club will be having their always fun Fall Gathering at the Kennedy Post on Robbins Road in Chicopee. The fun begins at 6 p.m. My friends the Iron Henchmen Brotherhood of Springfield will be having their 2nd annual Halloween Party at the clubhouse located at 30 Amity Court in Springfield. The time for this bad boy is 8 p.m. until 5 a.m., yes I said 5 a.m.
Until next time, ride safe and ride smart.